Tubal Reversal Offered at Jamaica Hospital

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

For women, the decision to have tubal ligation, or getting their “tubes tied,” is a difficult one, but that decision no longer needs to be a permanent one. Doctors at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center now offer a tubal reversal procedure for women, giving them the opportunity to become pregnant again.

Tubal reversal is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that reconnects the fallopian tubes and restores their ability to function after a previous sterilization procedure. The surgery is performed by trained doctors, who use specially designed instruments to gain access to the fallopian tubes. The ends of the damaged tubes are reconstructed and repaired. Once the surgery is complete, testing will be performed to make sure that the tubes are open or “patent.”

Dr. Khaled Zeitoun, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Gynecologist, perform this procedure with great success at Jamaica Hospital. “This procedure gives women a second chance at having a baby,” states Dr. Zeitoun. “The effectiveness of tubal reversal is approximately above 50% and is a much more affordable fertility option than other procedures such as IVF (in vitro fertilization).”

While the overall success rate for conception is high for those who have tubal reversal surgery, there are some factors that affect this success, such as the degree of damage to the tubes during the original tubal ligation procedure, the weight and health status of the patient and other medical factors in the patient and the partner.

The procedure traditionally takes from 2-4 hours and recovery time is minimal. “In most cases, patients can try to become pregnant during their next ovulation cycle and every cycle after that, which is another benefit when compared to other options which only allow patients one chance of conception,” explains Dr. Zeitoun.

To learn more about the tubal reversal procedure or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zeitoun, please call 718-206-7642.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Crystal Faninn

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

This month we shine our employee spotlight on Crystal Fannin, Emergency Department Registrar Supervisor. One of the many things that make Crystal special is that she has been working in the same department for over 39 years. Jamaica Hospital has been her only job and she is very proud to tell that to everyone she meets. She is very proud of the fact that she signed one of the bricks that was used to build the new main building and was also one of the people who got to sign the last steel beam placed in the new Trump Pavilion.

Crystal was born in Brooklyn and moved to Queens when she was 11 years old. She attended Andrew Jackson High School and currently lives in the St. Albans area. She has two children, a son and a daughter and two grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren were all born at Jamaica Hospital so she has experience on many levels of the quality care people receive.

Though Crystal spends much of her time at work, she does have a variety of things that she enjoys in her free time. She loves to cook, all types of food but her favorite is soul food, especially ribs and cornbread. She enjoys all kinds of music, in particular funk and jazz, and at one time she even played the drums. One of her favorite activities is going to the racetrack. Crystal says you only live once and you have to have fun. To prove her point, she has gone skydiving twice.

Over the years, Crystal has done just about everything an emergency room registrar can do. She knows many of the patients by name because she has seen them so many times. She can be described as a real people person. Everyone who meets her feels her sincerity and compassion. Jamaica Hospital is like a family to her and that is why she enjoys coming to work every day. Crystal feels very strongly about giving back to the hospital and the community. She and her mother raised money, much of it their own, to buy toys for the children during holiday time.

She is truly an important part of the Jamaica Hospital family and we are happy to be able to shine the spotlight on her this month.

Breast Feeding After Augmentation

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Joann Ariola

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), breast augmentation has become the #1 cosmetic procedure for the last decade. Since the best age for breast augmentation is anywhere from 18 to 50 years old, a woman’s desire to look younger may overlap with the tick of her biological clock.

One of the most popular questions women ask before having surgery is, “Will I be able to breastfeed?”

The answer is, yes. Breastfeeding after breast augmentation is absolutely possible.

Although the prior condition of the breasts, position of the implant and incision could have a direct bearing on milk production, it is very likely that you will have a positive experience when nursing your child.

If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, you can call Jamaica Hospital’s Lactation Consultant at 718-670-4200 for answers to FAQ’s.

DANGERS OF INFANT WALKERS

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Joann Ariola

The American Association of Pediatrics’ (AAP), has recommended a ban on infant walkers as a result of a recent study that revealed over 230,000- children less than 15 months old were treated for infant walker related injuries in U.S. emergency departments from 1990 to 2014. The majority of injuries were to the head or neck noting that the injuries were sustained by falling down stairs in their infant walker.

states that most walker injuries happen while an adult is watching. Even the most attentive parent or caregiver cannot respond quickly enough to prevent a child from falling since a child in a walker can move more than 3 feet in 1 second. That is why walkers are never safe to use, even with an adult close by.

The AAP recommends that instead of infant walkers, parents choose:

Stationary activity centers – They resemble walkers without wheels. They often have seats that rotate, tip and bounce.
Play yards or playpens – These can be used as safety zones for children as they learn to sit, crawl or walk.
High chairs – As your child grows, they can enjoy sitting in a high chair to play with toys on the tray.

Before 1997, there weren’t any standards for baby walkers in place. These standards caused manufacturers to make the base of a walker wider so as to not fit through most door ways and having brakes that stop them at the edge of a step. Although necessary, these improvements cannot and have not prevented all injuries from walkers.

Research has shown that walkers do not provide any advantage to accelerating a child’s development. In fact, they may hinder development because they do not teach infants to walk. A better practice is to allow your baby the freedom in a safe environment that allows them the opportunity for pulling themselves up, creeping and crawling.

EATING FOR ENERGY

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Joann Ariola

If you conducted a survey, most people will tell you that between the hours of 3:00PM and 4:00PM each day, a feeling of fatigue may set in which makes them feel less productive.

This is typically the time of day when they may reach for a less healthy choice of food or beverage to “perk-up.”

Many of their snack options are laden with sugar and fat and have no nutritional value. There are several healthy foods available that give us both a boost and essential nutrients.

Some healthy foods that have been proven to help raise energy levels are:

Bananas – Bananas contain carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin B6, all proven to boost energy levels in your body.

Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes contain fiber and complex carbs, as well as manganese, which can help break down nutrients in order to produce energy.
Brown Rice – Brown Rice is less processed than white rice so it retains more fiber, vitamins and minerals. It also has a low glycemic index and could help regulate blood sugar levels to help maintain steady energy levels all day long.
Coffee – Coffee is rich in caffeine. Caffeine quickly passes from your bloodstream to your brain. The result is the production of epinephrine. Epinephrine is a hormone that stimulates the body and brain allowing you to keep more focused.
Eggs – Eggs are rich in protein and leucine. These are both known to stimulate energy.
Water – Not drinking enough water could cause dehydration which can cause your body functions to slow down and make you feel sluggish. It is a good habit to drink water throughout your day, even if you are not thirsty.
Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate has a high content of cocoa. Cocoa has antioxidants that have proven health benefits, like increasing your blood flow. An increased blood flow helps deliver oxygen to the brain and muscles, improving their functions. Additionally, dark chocolate contains compounds such as caffeine, a known ingredient to enhance mental energy and mood.

If you’d like to speak with a Jamaica Hospital Medical Center licensed nutritionist, call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

For these and other healthy food and beverages that can give your day a boost, visit healthline.com.

When is the Best Time to Get a Flu Vaccine ?

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

Flu season can start in September and run until May. Even before the summer is over, pharmacies start advertising that the flu vaccine is available. While many people believe that the best time to get a flu vaccine is as soon as possible, getting it in October probably is the best option. Some research has shown that the effects of the vaccine start to wear off after six months so we want to make sure we are well protected when the height of the flu season is upon us.

Every year the flu vaccine is different, manufactured with the hope that it will be effective against the prevalent strain expected for that year. It is estimated that it takes approximately two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, so being covered early is important. Everyone who is going to be vaccinated wants to be prepared before the peak of the flu season which runs from December to late March. If you would to schedule an appointment for a flu vaccine in the Ambulatory Care Center please call 718-206-7001.

SUGAR FREE LEMON POUND CAKE

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Being the wife of a diabetic, I see how difficult it is for my husband to pass up so many delicious, sugary desserts.

Below is a recipe that I have made myself and recommend highly. Although I am not the creator of the recipe, I thought it delicious enough to share.

-Joann Ariola, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, MediSys Health Network

INGREDIENTS:

1	(18.25 Ounce) Package Sugar-free Yellow Cake Mix
1	(3.4 Ounce) Sugar-free Lemon Pudding Mix
1¾ cups	Water
3	Egg Whites
¾ cups	Reduced-fat Milk
½ tsp	Lemon Extract
1	(1 Ounce) Package Sugar-free Vanilla Pudding Mix
1	(ounce) Sugar-free
	Cooking Spray

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and coat a 10×15-inch pan with cooking spray.

Combine yellow cake mix and lemon pudding mix in a large mixing bowl. Stir in water and egg whites. Beat mixture on low speed for 1 minute. Beat for an additional 4 minutes on high speed.

Place batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.

Meanwhile mix milk, lemon extract, and vanilla pudding mix in a large mixing bowl. Add in cool whip and mix well. Spread mixture over the cake once it has cooled.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Tracey Kunj-Ramen

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

This month Jamaica Hospital Medical Center shines its employee spotlight on one of our newest employees, Tracey Kunj-Ramen, the Certified Child Life Specialist for Pediatrics. Tracey joined our staff two weeks ago but is very familiar with Jamaica Hospital. She had been a volunteer on 2 South since 2007 while she was still a student. Tracey also spent some time doing an internship at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Tracey was born in Guyana, and grew up in Queens where she spent most of her life living, and continues to reside. She attended elementary, middle and began high school at Thomas Edison H.S. before moving for a short while to Connecticut. After she completed high school, she graduated from Hunter College with a BA in Psychology and received a Master’s of Science in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University specializing in Child and Adolescent Development.

Tracey has two sons, ages five and two, who she loves spending time with. One of the things she and her husband enjoy doing is taking the boys on spontaneous road trips on the weekends. They enjoy discovering new places and having quality family time together. She also enjoys reading, dancing and eating Italian food whether at home or going out to her favorite restaurants.

Tracey enjoys working with the children who come to the hospital as patients. She understands how important it is to make not only the children feel comfortable and less anxious, but also how important it is to be reassuring to the parents. Tracey takes pride in her duties as a Child Life Specialist because she feels that people who have a positive experience at the hospital will feel confident about recommending their friends, family and neighbors.

We welcome Tracey to Jamaica Hospital and look forward to her contributions to our team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who provide care to our youngest patients.

Power Napping

Posted on September 20, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

It has been proven that taking a power nap during the day has many benefits. A nap can lower blood pressure and also reduce the level of stress.

Research has shown that the benefits of a midday power nap are determined by the length of the time a person spends napping. A nap that lasts 20 minutes will help alertness and will also increase motor function. Naps that last 30 to 60 minutes will improve decision-making skills, and a nap that lasts 60 to 90 minutes will improve the ability to solve creative problems. Most people will only be able to take a short nap. A person who naps longer than 20 or 30 minutes runs the risk of waking up and feeling groggy.

If your typical day starts at 7:00 AM and you go to bed for the night around 11:00 PM, then napping between 1:30 and 3:00 PM is when you will benefit from a power nap the most.

If you are having difficulty getting a good night’s sleep, specialists at Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center can conduct sleep studies to help determine the causes of your sleep deprivation. To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, please call 718-206-5916

National Back Pack Safety Month

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Joann Ariola

September is National School Backpack Safety Month and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is sharing information on how you can help your child avoid the pain and injury that is associated with carrying heavy backpacks. These simple tips can help protect your child from having chronic back pain throughout their lives.

Backpacks are essential back-to- school items for kids. They come in different colors, sizes and shapes and most importantly they help children to carry their belongings. Backpacks are preferred by many in comparison to shoulder bags because when worn correctly, they evenly distribute weight across the body. However, if worn incorrectly they can cause back pain or injuries and eventually lead to poor posture.

To prevent problems associated with improper backpack use, parents should first purchase a backpack that has the following features:

Lightweight
Wide and padded straps
Multiple compartments
Padded back
Waist belt
Correct size (A backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso).

Practicing these safety tips will further reduce the chance of back pain or injuries caused by backpacks:

When packing, heavier items should be placed to the back and center of the backpack. Lighter items should be in front. Sharp objects such as scissors or pencils should be kept away from your child’s back. Utilizing different compartments can help in distributing weight.
Do not over pack. Doctors recommend that children should not carry backpacks that weigh more than 10-15% of their body weight.
Ensure that children use both straps. Using a single strap can cause muscle strain.
Adjust the straps so that the backpack fits closely to your child’s back and sits two inches above the waist. This ensures comfort and proper weight distribution.
Encourage children to use their lockers or desks throughout the day to drop off heavy books.

The Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America recommends that parents should always look for warning signs that indicate backpacks may be too heavy. If your child struggles to put on and take off the backpack, they are complaining of numbness or tingling or if there are red strap marks on their shoulders -It may be time for you to lighten their load.